Since the late 1990s, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition has staunchly and effectively opposed construction of a hydroelectric dam in the Oneida Narrows section of the Bear River. Today, the staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) took a significant step in denying this dam. In the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, FERC staff recommended “no action” based on the unavoidable adverse environmental effects of the proposed dam.

“Water is the lifeblood of the West,” said Caroline Byrd, Executive Director, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. “It supports our fish, wildlife, and way of life. The rivers and streams flowing from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem supply water to millions of people downstream. We are encouraged by FERC’s important step toward protecting the treasured Bear River. This sets the stage for FERC to permanently protect the Bear River and uphold its ecological importance to the Bonneville cutthroat trout.”

Now, it is up to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and our partners to help provide public comments and support for FERC to act in the best interest of the river and deny the dam for good.

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